Some of the play equipment has been made from playground apparatus that’s no longer in use
Councillor Gary McKeown at the new dog park at Ormeau(Image: )
Ormeau Park in South Belfast, possibly the busiest public space in the city for dog walking, is soon to open a dedicated area for people to play with their canine companions.
Belfast Council is currently installing a dog park at Ormeau Park, featuring play equipment, a water supply, and seating, with two separate areas. The date for opening has not yet been revealed.
SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown said: “The new dog park will be a brilliant addition to Ormeau Park and I’m delighted that it’s going to provide a really good facility for dogs and their owners to meet up. It’s something I’ve been working to secure for the community for some time, so it’s great that everyone has come together to make it happen.
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“Ormeau Park is very busy with dog walkers every day, so this dedicated area will enable their pets to play, exercise and interact with other dogs, as well as offering the opportunity for the owners themselves to socialise and have a bit of craic with other people out for a doggy dander.
“The dog park has been designed with pets’ enjoyment and welfare in mind, so there’s play equipment, a water supply, and two separate areas for small dogs and medium-to-large dogs to run about. There’s also seating for owners to sit and relax, and bins to help keep the place clean.
“Councillor Séamas de Faoite and I have been working closely with the team at each stage of the project and we are very grateful for the effort that has gone into every detail of making it a really good facility.”
Some of the play equipment was made from playground apparatus that was no longer in use, and has been upcycled and adapted to make it dog friendly. There are also plans to plant hedging around the perimeter of the dog park to help complement the wider natural environment, and the wildflower meadow due to be created just beside it this year.
It is the first project funded through the “Concert Social Levy,” a scheme to ringfence money from events such as Belsonic to be spent in the parks where they take place or the immediate area around them, to give something back to local communities.
Councillor McKeown said: “The team involved in constructing these pieces of kit have really put a lot of work into making them look fantastic and fun for the dogs.”
He added: “Ormeau Park has been used by generations of people for over 150 years, with lots of changes over that time, so I hope this new addition will really bring benefit to the community. It’s located down by the Ozone, making it accessible for people living in neighbourhoods all around the park, and when the new bridge goes in from the Gasworks, there’ll be a direct link for residents living across the river too.
“So, I would encourage everyone to come down, check out the new dog park, and enjoy the facility along with your furry friends.”
Pics from Councillor McKeown, permitted use for all
Captions by Michael Kenwood:
Councillor Gary McKeown at the new dog park at Ormeau
Left to right – Councillors Gary McKeown and Séamas De Faoite at the new dog park at Ormeau
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